Bicol Embraces Blockchain: BBC 2023 Event Recap

In a notable gathering at the Bicol University College of Engineering Gymnasium on November 17, 2023, the Bicol Blockchain Conference 2023 (BBC 2023), orchestrated by Sparklearn EdTech, marked a significant milestone in advancing blockchain technology in the Bicol region.

Reflecting on the Impactful Event

BBC 2023, as reported by its organizers, was a success, attracting over 220 participants from various industries.

Themed “Empowering Industry Innovation Through Blockchain,” the conference showcased an extensive range of discussions, from blockchain fundamentals to its practical implementations across different industries. Melissa Mesias, Vice President of the Albay ICT Association, CEO of SparkLearn, and Conference Director of BBC 2023, emphasized the conference’s mission to establish Bicol as a key global hub for blockchain technology.

Keynote Insights and the Blockchain City Fair

The conference featured keynote addresses from Prof. Lany Laguna-Maceda, Associate Professor IV/RDMD Director at Bicol University, and Prof. Maria Crestia C. Bañares, TBI Manager at SILI DELI and Project Leader of HEIRIT ReSEED, focusing on academia’s crucial role in driving innovation.

Additionally, the Blockchain City Fair, an immersive digitalized event experience created by Vulcanic Labs, was a highlight, recording 1,093 blockchain transactions throughout its duration.

Tech Talks and Panel Discussions

BBC 2023 showcased various tech talks, including Prof. Laguna-Maceda’s presentation on Natural Language Processing (NLP) for inclusive digital participation and insights from Kristian Quirapas, Founder and CEO of Vulcanic Labs and Co-Founder of Web3 Philippines, on how blockchain is reshaping our world. Nelson Lumbres and Eliezer Rabadon, representing ICP.Hub Philippines, spotlighted the basics of ICP, adding depth to the discussions.

A panel emphasized the significance of a robust developer community in blockchain adoption. The speakers, including Quirapas, Harvey Javier from SparkPoint, and Rabadon, engaged in a vibrant discussion moderated by Mat Ivan Arquero of SparkSwap.

Exploring Blockchain Ecosystems and Web3 Communities

The conference further delved into the realms of blockchain gaming, on-chain metrics, market trends, and the burgeoning role of credible Web3 communities. Insights from industry experts like Jean Yngson of Bitshares Labs Inc., Ismael Jerusalem of Ownly, and Mike Reñevo of MetaSaga Warriors enriched the discussions. The second panel, moderated by Kyle Naron of Hansa Accelerator, included Mesias, Mika Rome of Honu Solutions, and Maria Kristine Joy Ibanez of SiliCode.

Government Embrace and Future Initiatives

Vice Mayor Bobby Cristobal of Legazpi City opened the event, underscoring its regional importance. Key governmental figures, including Emmy Lou Delfin from the ICT Industry Development Bureau, Fatima Gonzales from the Department of Trade and Industry-Albay, and Rosemarie Quinto-Rey, a prominent leader in multiple Albay associations, expressed support for the blockchain industry.

The BBC 2023 organizers announced post-conference activities, including seminars and webinars co-hosted with Coins.ph, to further deepen understanding and practical application of blockchain technology. These activities aim to extend the collaborative learning experience initiated at the conference, featuring interactive sessions and a trading competition.

This article is published in BitPinas: Bicol Embraces Blockchain: BBC 2023 Event Recap

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